NTPC Partners With FMF Foods

Five students from the Fiji National University’s National Training and Productivity Centre’s (NTPC) National Apprenticeship Training Scheme have signed on with FMF Foods Ltd for the next four years.

The five apprentices who have signed on are in the Trades of Electrical Engineering and Plant Maintenance programme.

Director NTPC Isimeli Tagicakiverata said through the apprenticeship scheme there was a better balance between theory and practice. Students not only received on the job training but they would continue with their theory classes as well.

The director expressed his appreciation to FMF for signing on the five apprentices.

NTPC’s agenda

He highlighted that one of NTPC’s agenda was to support the industry and capacity building.

“The Apprenticeship scheme is a very good scheme, something we are supporting at NTPC.

“And I think we owe it to the industry as they are investing so much in terms of time, supervision and finances on our young people and it’s only fair that we give back that same dedication and commitment to the kind of quality that we put in to our work,” Dr Islimeli said.

“When you come through the apprenticeship scheme you develop this relationship with the employer, with your supervisor, you grow into the business, you grow into the industry, and you become mature on the job. That is something we believe in very strongly, there is a good balance.”

Dr Isimeli said NTPC would like to see more females joining the apprenticeship scheme.

FMF Operations manager Jimi Taniela commended NTPC and the national apprenticeship scheme for the partnership.

“As a former apprentice it is a positive note to see more students joining the scheme,” Mr Taniela said.

Organisations involved

Manager National Apprenticeship Scheme Reenal Chand said there were more than 50 Organisations who are currently training apprentices in Fiji.

Mr Chand said the apprenticeship agreement allowed apprentices to not only gain theory knowledge but also practical as they worked.

He said the apprenticeship contracts were different to the normal employment contracts.